65K mourn Benedict XVI as pope emeritus lies in state at Vatican; funeral is Thursday
An estimated 65,000 people have visited Vatican City to pay their respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose body is lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Benedict’s body was dressed with a bishop's mitre and a red cloak, arranged on red pillows atop a bier draped in gold fabri. For two more days, he'll lie in state for the faithful to pay their respects to first pope in nearly 600 years to resign as the head of the Catholic Church.
Benedict died Saturday. He was 95, and his death came just days after Pope Francis asked for prayers following reports that his predecessor's health was failing.
Vatican officials had estimated at least 25,000 people would offer their respects on Monday, the first day of the viewing. But by day's end, the Vatican said that some 65,000 had passed by the bier.
Here is what to expect this week:
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How long will Benedict lie in state?
Just after 9 a.m. local time Monday, the basilica doors swung open so the public could pay respects to the late pontiff, his body dressed with a miter, the peaked headgear of a bishop, and a red cloak.
People strode briskly up the center aisle to pass by the bier with its cloth draping after waiting in a line that by midmorning snaked around St. Peter’s Square.
An organ and choir’s rendition of “Kyrie Eleison” (“Lord, have mercy” in ancient Greek) in the background, ushers moved well-wishers along the basilica’s center aisle toward the body.
Viewing was also set Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Who has attended the viewing?
Notables who have attended the viewing included Cardinal Walter Kasper, like Benedict, a German theologian. Kasper served as head of the Vatican’s Christian unity office during Benedict’s papacy.
Benedict left an “important mark” on theology and spirituality but also on the history of the papacy with his courage to step aside, Kasper told The Associated Press. Benedict cited age and declining health when he stepped down in 2013.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the far-right leader who has professed admiration for the conservative leanings of Benedict, visited the basilica to pay his respects. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also attended.
When is Benedict's funeral?
Benedict's funeral will be led by Pope Francis – an unprecedented occasion for a current pope to celebrate the funeral Mass of a former pope – and will take place at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.
The funeral will be marked by simplicity in keeping with Benedict's wishes, the Vatican said.
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Where will Benedict be buried?
Benedict’s tomb will be in the crypt of the grotto under St. Peter's Basilica that was last used by St. John Paul II in keeping with Benedict's wishes, the Vatican said.
The saint’s body was moved upstairs into the main basilica before his 2011 beatification, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
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How long did Benedict serve?
Joseph Ratzinger was born in Germany in 1927 and became pope in 2005.
Typically, popes serve until death. Benedict is the first pope since the 1400s to leave office alive when he stepped down in 2013.
Upon retirement, Benedict left the Vatican for several months while cardinals selected and installed Francis. Benedict then returned to the Vatican, no longer a pope or cardinal. Instead, he asked to be known as Father Benedict and lived out his life at the monastery on the Vatican grounds.
Dig deeper
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Contributing: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thousands mourn as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state this week
